Wenger backs Arsenal teenager Gnabry for Germany World Cup spot

Monday 13 January 2014

Arsene Wenger believes Serge Gnabry can win a place in Germany’s World Cup squad this season, the Daily Telegraph has reported, after the teenager broke into the Arsenal first team.

The newspaper adds that Gnabry is expected to continue as part of Wenger’s first choice XI for Monday evening’s trip to Aston Villa and Wenger feels the 18-year-old has the talent to force his way into Joachim Low’s thoughts for the summer tournament.

“There is more than a small chance, there’s a big chance,” Wenger said of the possibility of Gnabry going to the World Cup.

“We are looking at a guy who has good individual talent, he can pass people, is a good finisher, and has a very good football brain with good vision,” Wenger added. “He has great pace, he is two footed, he can finish with his right and left. He has a lot in the locker.”

The season-ending injury to Theo Walcott has cleared the way for Gnabry to take a bigger role in the senior set-up and Wenger insists he has no problem giving the youngster greater responsibility. “I am not afraid with him,” Wenger said.

“He has convinced many people that he at least deserves another chance,” the manager continued. “He was influential in the Tottenham game and when I played him he has always had an impact on the game.”

Stuttgart-born Gnabry signed on with Arsenal in 2011, having previously been attached to his home-town club. He has made a dozen appearances for the Gunners across the past two seasons, and featured regularly at youth level for Germany, although he has yet to reach the Under-21 side.

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